Faith, Food, and Fresh Asphalt: The County’s Common Ground
WHAT IF: What if every single person in Lawrence County could be guaranteed just one thing? That was the question posed online this week, and the answers painted a vivid portrait of what people feel our neighbors need most—from the practical to the spiritual, from heartfelt to humorous.
At the very top of the wish list was faith. Dozens of commenters said they wished everyone had “Jesus,” “salvation,” or “a closer walk with God.” To many, that was the foundation for everything else. “A relationship with Jesus Christ! He loves you!” wrote Lori Keene. Others, like Peggy Yarbrough-Aldridge, kept it short and clear: “Salvation!!”
Running a close second was a call for more common sense, respect, and courtesy. That trio of traits appeared repeatedly, sometimes with a sigh, sometimes with a laugh. “Common sense 🙄😬😝💯,” quipped Danielle Sparks. Misty Davis added: “Respect for each other! Just common decency & respect!”
But plenty of responses were rooted in basic needs. A roof, food, heat, and healthcare came up again and again. “Enough to eat,” wrote Jean Vincent. “Affordable healthcare, higher educational opportunities, life sustaining job options,” added Theresa Glasscock. Brad Seay wished simply for “a good hospital for people in need.”
Some got more specific: better roads were a frequent frustration. “Roads without potholes,” “decent roads,” and “a smooth paved road” all made the list. A few took aim at local driving habits—“driving lessons,” “using turn lanes correctly,” and, perhaps most urgently, “learned how to use their car’s turn signal.”
Meanwhile, a lighter thread ran through the conversation. Jamie Smith and Chevel Lawrence both said “teeth.” Wesley Kelso offered “deodorant.” Chris Miller cracked: “An enema… this town needs an enema.” And one suggestion, from Preston Echols, was more cinematic than practical: “A fight club.”
Still, many comments came back to the heart. “A good heart,” wrote Brandi Terry Shankle. “Grace,” added Allison Posey Blaxton. “Peace,” wished Ann Mitchell Milligan.
The thread may have started as a thought experiment, but together the answers read like a mirror of the county itself—a mix of humor, frustration, hope, and care for one another.
If you could choose just one tangible improvement for Lawrence County—roads, healthcare, jobs—what would it be? On the flip side, what’s one quality of character you wish every neighbor carried with them?